Sony's official word on NightShot

[Joshua_Putnam <josh@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I emailed Sony to ask about the use of NightShot cameras for IR
landscapes, and to see if they had a serial number or other
cutoff so that people could identify cameras that had not been
disabled.  The tone of their response is, to say the least,
disappointing -- it appears they have no interest in daylight use
of IR, period.  Also, I note they began modifying their NightShot
cameras a week *before* their press release on the voyeurism issue.

Still waiting for my own new camera to arrive....

CUSTSERV writes:

>     Dear Joshua Putnam:

>     Thank you for contacting SONY.

>     Following is the only information we have on the modification of the 
>     Nightshot feature.

>     It recently came to our attention that some Handycam camcorders with 
>     the NightShot feature may have the unintended capability reported in 
>     several news stories of recording through fabric when used in 
>     daylight. 

>     The conditions under which this unintended affect might possibly occur 
>     are limited.  Under most circumstances, Sony's Handycam camcorders 
>     equipped with the Nightshot feature do not have the ability to "see 
>     through" a person's clothing. In some instances -- if images are 
>     recorded in daylight and with limited fabric types, depending on the 
>     texture, thickness, color and distance -- it is sometimes possible to 
>     record some images through material.

>     Sony began to modify production of Handycam camcorders with NightShot 
>     on August 6 to eliminate this unintended function. 

>     Sony did not design the NightShot camcorder feature for use during 
>     daylight. The NightShot function is designed to record in complete 
>     darkness using infrared technology.  The purpose of the NightShot 
>     feature is to record nighttime activities, such as a new baby 
>     sleeping, children out on Halloween night, etc.  New modified models 
>     will continue to offer this record-in-the-dark feature.

>     There is no product recall.  However, consumers who have further 
>     questions or concerns can contact Sony at 1-800-222-SONY.  

>     Product model numbers in the U.S. affected include:  DCR-TRV9, 
>     CCD-TR940/917, 
>     CCD-TRV65/615/93/75/715, CCD-TRV85/815/95/99. 

>     If you would like further assistance, please 
>     contact us.

>     Sincerely,

>     The SONY Response Center, Internet Group

>     plb

- -- 

 Josh@xxxxxxxxxxxx  is  Joshua Putnam / P.O. Box 13220 / Burton, WA 98013
                       "My other bike is a car."                   
                     http://www.wolfenet.com/~josh/
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End of Infrared-Digest V0 #789
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